The combination chemotherapy regimen known as Dexa-BEAM consists of the following drugs:
- Dexamethasone
- BCNU (carmustine)
- Etoposide
- Ara-C (cytarabine)
- Melphalan
A Typical Dexa-BEAM Regimen (regimens should be tailored to the individual):
- Cycle length: 28 days
- Number of cycles: 2-4
- Days 1-10: Dexamethasone (oral)
- Day 2: BCNU (carmustine)
- Day 3: Melphalan
- Days 4-7: Etoposide (IV) & cytarabine (IV)
Vomit potential?
- Day 2 & 3: Moderately high
- Days 4-7: Low to moderate
What Dexa BEAM is effective for and why
The Dexa-BEAM combination regimen is used as salvage chemotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma who have failed at least one prior combination chemotherapy regimen.
Side effects
While each patient will have his or her own experiences with the side effects of Dexa-BEAM, the most common ones include granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, mucositis, nausea and vomiting, and cardiotoxicity.
Patients are encouraged to report any and all side effects to their doctor or oncology team at the time of onset.
Sources
- Boyiadzis, Michael M. et al. Hematology-Oncology Therapy. 2007. New York: McGraw Hill, Medical Publishing Division.
- Perry, Michael C, Editor. Companion Handbook to the Chemotherapy Sourcebook. 1999. Baltimore; Williams & Wilkins.
Significant studies and papers relevant to Dexa-BEAM
